Hi everyone, this is Kip Rasmussen, Tolkien Illustrator. I met all of you at a convention somewhere in the western United States, either in Portland, San Jose, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas or Reno. Thank you for signing up for my emails. I plan to blog occasionally in praise of Tolkien's work, and include a piece of my concept art or a finished painting. I hope we can have some fun discussing the world of Tolkien.

Those who have visited my booth share my love for the works of Tolkien. I am a family therapist by trade and have spent most of my career trying to help people and their families with all kinds of emotional struggles. But, like millions of others, I turn to the works of Tolkien to recharge. I love The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But, for me The Silmarilllion ranks as one of the preeminent works of art ever created. I was so struck by it that I craved seeing the images in paint. At first, I was very hesitant because I wasn't an experienced painter but still wanted to do justice to the mighty work. Then I found some encouragement in the words of the great man himself:

"The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands wielding paint and music and drama." --J.R.R. Tolkien

So there it was: permission to paint his work. That was enough for me. I'll paint it to my life's end. Here is a painting of my conceptualization of the towering civilization of Numenor.

"Sunrise on Numenor"

I also have a couple questions for you. First, let me tell you what images are to come. Here is my proposed list: 1) Caranthir,the son of Feanor at dark Lake Helevorn, 2) Morgoth descending upon Arda as a towering spirit of wrath, 3) King Fingon in battle versus Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs. What additional scenes from The Silmarillion would you like to see depicted?

I also wanted to ask for your opinions on what to call the blog. Here some I have "borrowed" from Tolkien: